Philip J. Combs

Philip J. Combs is a Charleston trial lawyer and founding partner who defends clients in complex product liability and mass tort litigation. His practice focuses on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automotive products, environmental claims, and other high-stakes disputes. He serves as national coordinating counsel in large-scale litigation across state and federal courts. His work involves extensive discovery, expert testimony, scientific evidence, and matters carrying significant financial and operational exposure.

Philip earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law and his B.A., with honors, from Emory University. During law school, he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as Senior Editor of Law & Contemporary Problems. He was a Parkinson Scholar. His academic background supports the research, writing, and analysis required in complex litigation, appeals, and disputes involving technical medical, scientific, and product issues.

Philip has tried more than 25 cases to verdict, briefed more than 30 federal or state appeals, and argued before major appellate courts. His experience includes nationwide PFAS litigation, hearing protection claims, pelvic mesh cases, automotive and motorcycle product disputes, and commercial litigation. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. He later clerked for Judge K. K. Hall of the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Philip J. Combs has received recognition from Chambers & Partners, West Virginia Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, where he holds an AV rating. He is a sustaining member of the Products Liability Advisory Council and belongs to DRI. He authored Modern Products Liability Law in West Virginia and was appointed reporter for West Virginia product liability and warranty pattern jury instructions. His career reflects extensive trial, appellate, and coordinating counsel experience in complex litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Thomas Combs & Spann, PLLC
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, Products Liability Advisory Council

Licensed State

• West Virginia

Education

• Duke University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Emory University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)